Pitch contest winners nab $10,000 each

Last week we told you about the [Re]verse Pitch contest finals; today, you’ll learn the exciting conclusion – who won! There were two winners, LoFi Recycling Systems and Terra Helmets, each of whom won a $10,000 grand prize to turn their pitches into reality. Samantha Panger and Destin Douglas of LoFi Recycling Systems “will repurpose vinyl record scraps made of PVC from Gold Rush Vinyl, a local company, into indoor pots and planters,” according to the press release. Panger noted, “PVC is difficult to recycle and can be hazardous to aquatic ecosystems down the road. We will be able to use and shape this material into pots and planters; it’s a new and exciting way to recycle plastic waste. We want to keep PVC from ever ending up in a landfill, and turn it into something useful.” Aadhikesh Boopalam, Seniru Kottegoda and Collin McCloskey of Terra Helmets “will repurpose a variety of materials including decorator fabric samples,” vinyl record scraps and plastic sandals into shareable helmets. Said McCloskey, “With the local and national rise in use of electric scooters, and an increase in reported head injuries, we created Terra Helmets as a way to help our community. Using byproduct materials from local businesses and turning them into helmets allows us to keep ‘waste’ out of the landfill, and foster a safe community. We’re protecting the earth while protecting your head.” You may watch a video of the Fifth Annual [Re]verse Finalist Pitch competition here.